To immerse oneself in German television is to undertake a cultural and emotional rollercoaster ride — a journey that can take you from the edge of your seat with thrillers to laughing out loud with comedies. Let’s talk through the best and worst of German TV shows, based on popular opinion and sprinkled with a pinch of humor.
Crime and Intrigue: The Classics
Shows such as “Under Suspicion” and “Alarm for Cobra 11” have become household names, spinning intricate plots that keep viewers guessing. According to IMDb’s 50 Best German Television Series list, crime drama series delves into the delicate balance between police officers and criminals. And it does so with a touch of ‘German-ness.’ Just picture yourself trying to make sense of twisted tales over dinner – what a hearty meal indeed!
Sunday Night Rituals: “Tatort”
No discussion about german tv would be complete without mentioning “Tatort” — the Sunday night routine that leaves germans glued to their screens till bedtime. As IamExpat points out, every episode is like a new adventure because the show features rotating teams of detectives from different cities . It’s basically playing detective roulette: will your favorite investigator crack this week’s case or might it be some other guy who you’re not quite sure about yet?
Time Travel and Dark Mysteries: “Dark”
The first ever German series produced by Netflix, “Dark,” has captivated audiences around the world, and particularly in Germany. This time-traveling mystery set in a small German town has been recommended by Netflix itself among other sources, and leaves viewers with two questions: “What just happened?” and “Can someone turn on the lights?” As The Verge points out, this show is so twisty that watching it feels like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube… blindfolded.
Crime Scene Cleaning with a Twist: “Der Tatortreiniger”
Imagine flipping the crime genre on its head…and then focusing on what happens after. “Der Tatortreiniger” — or “Crime Scene Cleaner” — centers around the life of a crime scene cleaner, who sees (and humorously comments upon) people at their worst. This show brings humor to dark places (literally), shining light into the grim realities of death. And as The Local highlights, it proves that Germans can indeed laugh in the face of adversity — especially if it involves a mop and bucket.
Binge-Worthy Historical Dramas
“Die Barbaren” (or “The Barbarians”) and other historical dramas provide a deep dive into Germany’s past for those who like their entertainment with some context. These shows are known for their storytelling as well as their attention to detail when it comes to characters; they’re basically history lessons without the homework (unless you consider keeping track of all those characters and plotlines homework).
Conclusion: A Smorgasbord of Entertainment
German TV shows are as varied and complex as the culture itself, offering something for every taste and mood. From solving crimes with seasoned detectives to exploring dark, time-twisted forests and cleaning up after the untidy aftermath of crime scenes, German television caters to a wide audience. So grab your remote (or streaming device) and prepare for a journey through the captivating, thrilling, and often amusing world of German TV. Just remember, when watching “Dark,” you might want to keep the lights on—just in case.
